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Saturday, May 13, 2017

The hacks on a painted home, what to do, and buy


How to take care of your painted home
Home repair tips with Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service

Professional advice hacks on a painted home. We offer helpful tips on what to do, and buy. The exterior paint on your home is the first line of defense to help protect your homes structure. It is just as important to keep it maintained as well.

The light colored residue on painted exterior surfaces is chalking paint. So what causes chalking paint? The main cause of chalking paint is exposure to sunlight. The ultra violet light breaks the binders in the paint and releases the pigments. Another cause is the reaction between the binders and oxygen which is called paint oxidation. Both processes have the same effect on all finish types. Another cause is the paint quality; some paints tend to chalk sooner than others such as Alkyd paints (oil based paint) this type of paint oxidizes faster. So you may be thinking of quality of paint what type of paint should you get for your home? There are many options such as latex, acrylic, latex/acrylic blend and so on. As a good rule of thumb is "the more expensive the paint the better and more the resins it has" The resins are the binders that holds the pigment. The best option on the market today for exterior paint is 100% acrylic. Cheaper paints tend to degrade faster such as latex and acrylic/latex.

The proper cleaning of the chalky surfaces on a painted home is to remove the residue using a pressure washer along using a mild, environmentally friendly, soap. Allow the soap to sit and activate on the surface for 10-15 minutes and rinse the soap completely off using pressure cleaning techniques of 1500-2000 psi pressure on the machine. If you plan on repainting the home, it is best to use an acrylic primer with mildewcide before paint finish coat is applied.

Mold and mildew attacks the painted surfaces. Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide are common pigments in top coats that inhibit the growth of mildew. Paints that contain linseed oil will develop severe mildew in warm, damp climates such as Florida. It is just as important to make sure your home is free of mold and mildew and kill it off before painting. Since if the mold or mildew will grow thru new paint. A mild household detergent without ammonia with sodium hypochlorite (fresh-new household bleach) and warm water is a good cleaner for killing mold and mildew. Take the necessary precautions and protect yourself, grass, and shrubbery. Wear protected clothing, eye wear, and skin protecting gloves while using the product cleaning method. Use a bristle brush while cleaning the effected areas of mold and mildew. Make sure you rinse off the solution well before painting.

Use our professional home painting services. Call Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service today for a free written estimate. We are your source for house painting, home improvement, and home repairs.


Thursday, May 11, 2017

Keeping up with the Jones’s with 2017 home improvement and design


Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service top picks for 2017 home improvement and design trends
The best 2017 top picks for home improvement and design 

So it's true, you want to keep up with the Jones's with 2017 home improvement and design. It’s time to put some bling in your home to update it for the latest trends in home improvement and design. We know you’re passionate about your home and possibly don’t know where to start. We have put together some helpful advice to guide you through the astonishing task of giving your home the latest design tips and the best home improvement that is trending today.

The best kitchens are arising in America’s homes. From entertaining functional islands, wine refrigerators, wet bars, warm copper lighting fixtures and copper accent pieces, pattern tile, Faux stone surfaces, stone walls of granite, quartz, and  light grey marble, hands free faucets, white wood cabinets, voice activated gadgets, Matte Black, and black stainless steel appliances are appearing in homes all across the nation. Here some advice when your kitchen shopping, look for concealed sinks, microwaves and ovens. The latest fad in kitchen cabinets is doors and drawers with no handles or pulls knobs.

So you want a great bathroom. Funky geometric patterns even work in farm house style homes. How about thinking big with high tech with large walk-in showers with programmable spray sequences, or even light colored walls with marble, or even pebble flooring in showers, textured tile on shower walls, soft grey porcelain wood tile, lighted mirrors or pendant lights for the bathroom decor.

Bring your walls up to life with a fresh coat of paint such as deep rich jewel tones look great against lush tropical plants and ferns, dark blues are gaining popularity along with, purples, green and gold, and even bold sapphire walls. And scatter your room with a few jewel toned accessories and even creative bright yellows, deep greens, earthy oranges, and reds bring accent pieces to life. Fun functional cork walls work excellent for your recipes, notes, and reminders. Earthy wood accents pieces such as modern wood clocks, sculptures, trays, and furniture with a streamlined design would work in your home.

Living spaces need a luxurious cozy smooth velvety couch with fun color. Kilim rugs are back in style with pops of color of wild prints. Copper accent pieces would be a great touch to any room. The latest craze is a galaxy themed room with decorative rock accessories to live it up.

Bring the fun from indoors to out with a great entryway or door with bold blues or reds. Try it and if you hate it just simply paint it again.

For a great handyman to improve or add value to your home. Contact Mr. Fix-It Handyman Service and we will be happy to assist with your needs.